Deck platform hanger

Abstract

A deck platform hanger/joist runner includes a flat platform, and a joist engager coupled to the flat platform. The joist engager includes a top joist engagement structure having a top joist engager and a bottom joist engagement structure having a bottom joist engager. The top joist engagement structure includes a pivot point configured to engage with a joist to pivot the deck platform hanger to engage the joist with the top joist engager and the bottom joist engager.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A joist runner, comprising:
 a flat platform; 
 a joist engager coupled to the flat platform, the joist engager comprising a top joist engagement structure having a top joist engager and a bottom joist engagement structure having a bottom joist engager, the top joist engagement structure comprising a pivot point configured to engage with a joist to pivot the joist runner to engage the joist with the top joist engager and the bottom joist engager; 
 a bottom joist bracket; and 
 a joist side weldment secured to the bottom joist bracket to extend substantially parallel to a side face of the main body; 
 wherein the side weldment, the bottom joist bracket, and the main body form a structure into which a bottom of a joist can be fit. 
 
     
     
       2. The joist runner of  claim 1 , wherein the top joist engager is a c-shaped component with an opening facing downward toward a top of the joist. 
     
     
       3. The deck platform hanger of  claim 2 , wherein the top joist engager and the bottom joist engager are laterally displaced from the main body. 
     
     
       4. The joist runner of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom joist engager is a c-shaped component with an opening facing upward toward a bottom of the joist. 
     
     
       5. The joist runner of  claim 1 , and further comprising a handle extending from the top joist engager at an angle. 
     
     
       6. The joist runner of  claim 5 , wherein the handle is configured to move the deck platform hanger along the joist by reducing a force of engagement of the top joist engager and bottom joist engager with the joist. 
     
     
       7. The joist runner of  claim 1 , and further comprising a plank securing structure at an end of the flat platform distal to the joist engager, for engaging a front of a plank. 
     
     
       8. The deck platform hanger of  claim 1 , wherein, when in place on a joist, the flat platform is disposed at an ergonomic working position below a top of the joist. 
     
     
       9. The joist runner of  claim 1 , wherein the top joist engager and the bottom joist engager are adjustably spaced to accommodate a joist therebetween. 
     
     
       10. The joist runner of  claim 9 , wherein the bottom joist engager is adjustably mounted to the main body. 
     
     
       11. The joist runner of  claim 1 , wherein the flat platform further comprises a strap opening therein, the strap opening configured to provide a securing location for a strap to secure a platform to the flat platform. 
     
     
       12. The joist runner of  claim 1 , wherein the top joist engager further comprises:
 a side bracket; 
 a top joist bracket; and 
 a cam having a roller; 
 wherein the side bracket is substantially parallel to a side face of the main body, and the top joist bracket is positioned between the side bracket and the main body to form a structure into which a top of a joist can be fit; and 
 wherein the roller is rotatably mounted between the side bracket and the main body, and is rotatable about an axis extending perpendicular to the side face of the main body. 
 
     
     
       13. The joist runner of  claim 12 , wherein the roller is positioned to engage a joist when the joist runner is cammed to a first angle to allow the joist runner to be moved along a joist by rolling the roller on the joist while remaining laterally engaged with the joist in the structure into which a top of a joist can be fit, and to disengage laterally from the joist when the joist runner is cammed to a second angle greater than the first angle. 
     
     
       14. The joist runner of  claim 1 , and further comprising a back bracket, where the bottom joist bracket is secured to the main body by the back bracket on an opposite side face of the main body. 
     
     
       15. A joist runner, comprising:
 a flat platform; and 
 a joist engager coupled to the flat platform, the joist engager comprising a top joist engagement structure having a top joist engager and a bottom joist engagement structure having a bottom joist engager, the top engagement structure comprising a pivot point configured to engage with a joist to pivot the joist runner to engage the joist with the top joist engager and the bottom joist engager; 
 wherein the top joist engager further comprises a side bracket, a top joist bracket, and a roller, the side bracket substantially parallel to a side face of the main body, and the top joist bracket positioned between the side bracket and the main body to form a structure into which a top of a joist can be fit, and the roller rotatably mounted between the side bracket and the main body and rotatable about an axis extending perpendicular to the side face of the main body; and 
 wherein the bottom joist engager further comprises a bottom joist bracket and a joist side weldment secured to the bottom joist bracket to extend substantially parallel to a side face of the main body, the side weldment, the bottom joist bracket, and the main body forming a structure into which a bottom of a joist can be fit. 
 
     
     
       16. A method of preparing a deck installation platform, comprising:
 mounting a first joist runner, having a first flat platform, on a first joist; 
 mounting a second joist runner, having a second flat platform, on a second joist; and 
 placing a working surface bridged between the first flat platform and the second flat platform; 
 wherein the first joist runner and the second joist runner each include a joist engager coupled to the flat platform, each joist engager comprising a top joist engagement structure having a top joist engager and a bottom joist engagement structure having a bottom joist engager, for engaging a top and a bottom of the joist therebetween; 
 and further comprising moving a joist runner of the joist runners on a joist by camming the joist runner to a first angle onto a rotatable roller of its top joist engager for movement of the joist runner along a joist without laterally disengaging the joist. 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 16 , wherein the joist runners are arranged to place their flat platforms at an ergonomic working height below a decking surface, for installation of deck boards on the decking surface. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 16 , and further comprising working from the working surface for installation of deck boards on top of the joists of a deck. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 16 , and further comprising disengaging the joist runner from a joist by camming the joist runner to a second angle greater than the first angle, the second angle sufficient to move the top joist engager above a top of the joist.